Department of Labor's OSHA recognizes GE Control Solutions in Loveland for excellence in occupational safety and health

LOVELAND, Colo. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized the management and employees of GE Control Solutions in Loveland for achievement in their employee safety and health program.

The site, which manufactures electronic control systems, was designated a VPP "star" site, the highest level of recognition that OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) offers. A VPP star site meets or exceeds all the safety and health program elements for the VPP, which far exceed minimum OSHA standards.

"The GE Corp. is an international leader in employee safety and health and we are very fortunate to have high quality workplaces such as GE Control Solutions here in Colorado," said Bob Glover, OSHA assistant regional administrator in Denver. "Their program includes highly innovative emergency preparedness drills that are planned and coordinated by the employees and supervisors at the site along with a very sophisticated, computerized system for managing every aspect of the safety and health program at a world-class level."

Glover presented a VPP flag and plaque to the GE Control Solutions team at the May 1 ceremony.

VPP offers employers a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional safety programs by recognizing participants that successfully incorporate comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management systems. The VPP program is open to deserving employers in any industry.

Requirements for application to VPP, which has more than 1,957 worksites in the country, include a high degree of management support and employee involvement, a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, hazard prevention and control programs and comprehensive safety and health training for all employees. Each of these elements must be effective and in operation for at least one year before applying to join the program. For additional information on VPP in Region 8, contact Brad Baptiste, OSHA VPP manager in Denver, at 720-264-6555.

OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 37 years. This success is reflected in the latest data (2006) showing that our nation has achieved the lowest injury and illness incidence rate that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has ever recorded. OSHA will continue to work diligently to focus its resources where they will have the most impact in assuring that every working man and woman returns home safely to his or her family every day.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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